Key safety system off in Army helicopter that collided with American Airlines jet, senator says [View all]
Source: Reuters
WASHINGTON, Feb 6 (Reuters) - A key safety system was turned off on the U.S. Army helicopter that collided with an American Airlines (AAL.O) regional jet last week near Washington's Reagan Airport, killing 67.
Senate Commerce Committee chair Ted Cruz told reporters the Black Hawk helicopter had turned off its automatic dependent surveillance-broadcast (ADS-B), which is permitted for military aircraft.
"This was a training mission, so there was no compelling national security reason for ADS-B to be turned off," Cruz said after a briefing from the National Transportation Safety Board and Federal Aviation Administration.
In the deadliest U.S. air disaster in more than 20 years, the aircraft collided last week, with both aircraft plunging into the Potomac River. The helicopter was flying about 100 feet (30.5 m) over the maximum allowed for that route, the NTSB said earlier.
Read more: https://www.reuters.com/world/us/key-safety-system-off-army-helicopter-that-collided-with-american-airlines-jet-2025-02-06/
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